Style rules…

Style rules.

Is there such a thing?

I think there are. I certainly have a few rules which have always worked for me. So I guess I’d say there are but not someone else’s. Find what works for you. Stay true to yourself. Don’t be afraid to take inspiration from others. I take inspiration from lots of sources – trends in magazines, the catwalk, Fashion bloggers on Instagram or Pinterest. But I do admit that it can be a little tricky knowing how to wear everything or how to style say a midi skirt. Pinterest and Instagram really are your friends. But in all honesty actually seeing an outfit on a real person really does help.

Ultimately I would say to trust your own instincts. I get so many questions on Instagram which I love so thank you – asking me how to style my outfits, what looks good together, where I get my inspiration from and the thought process behind putting certain pieces together. And so I thought I would share my tips in a little blog post. What do you think? (hides behind my screen)

Firstly, I must say that I’m no expert, I’m not a huge influencer, I don’t have a huge following, neither am I the most stylish person you’ll come across. But I do love fashion, have a huge passion for sharing my outfits, really enjoy chatting to so many of you about styles and what influences our choices. I also totally relate when someone sends me a message saying that they lost their way after becoming a mummy. I’ve definitely felt this. Struggled with finding me again.

It goes without saying that you have to find your own groove. You need to create your own rules, break a few, make mistakes and celebrate the wins when you feel great. I love the feeling of thinking this outfit really works. I’m still waiting for my Carrie Bradshaw moment, one day I will walk the streets of Paris in a tulle skirt. But until then I’ll be prancing around my bedroom dreaming of that moment.

 

And so here are my style rules, here goes…

Get the basics right…

The basics are essential for building a sustainable wardrobe. One you can dip in and out of throughout the seasons. A white shirt or slogan tee, a winter coat, leopard print (everything), trainers, a blazer, a rucksack (great for when you’re holding little people’s hands), Chelsea Boots, a denim skirt, cut off hem jeans, a midi skirt, and a maxi dress.

Think practicality…

You want your style to work around you. Whether that’s the school run, the gym, heading into the City, casual chic. Feel natural and confident but occasionally stepping out of your comfort zone has to be the way forward.

Try something new…

Mix up your style. If florals are your thing then maybe toughen them up with a Chelsea Boot or Dr Marten maybe even a blazer or a trench coat. In Winter colour is your friend. I love a statement coat during winter. Last year it was my pink coat, this year my burnt orange. Don’t be afraid. Always try something new, you just never know how it might look.

Statement pieces…

A coat, a Scarf, bags, shoes. I love to accessorise with something a little special. It just adds a different dimension to an outfit and often takes an outfit from say something you’d wear everyday to let’s just say something more..

Know what suits you…

Embrace your shape, once you know which silhouettes suit you, focus your outfits and style around them. Don’t be afraid to add colour or prints so you don’t feel samey. If something works then own every colour. I literally have a midi skirt in every length and colour possible. I say why not!

De clutter your wardrobe…

This is a must. I tend to do it every season to ensure I don’t miss bits and buy unnecessarily. I’m all for re-wearing items, making the most of my wardrobe and let’s face it money trees don’t exist. Who knew?

Create Your Own Look Book…

As you know I love to snap my outfits, whether its a selfie in my bedroom mirror or something a little more organised. I keep an ‘outfits’ folder in my camera roll which I look back on. Not in some strange way I promise but often because I forget what or how I have worn something. Its a great way of re-energising my wardrobe. Ultimately meaning that I don’t hit the shops on my lunch break.

For as long as I can remember Sarah Jessica Parker has been my style icon (the midi), quickly followed by Sienna Miller (boho chic) and Kate Moss (a little rock chick). I take inspiration from so many people and places. Mixing styles and ultimately finding what I am comfortable wearing. I lost my inner sass when George arrived but in the last few years I have definitely found that confidence again and regularly share my outfits on Instagram and here on the blog. I love fashion again. I’d love for you to follow me if you aren’t already.

What style tips do you follow, if any?